Black History Month is a time to illuminate the past, to remember past trials and tribulations, and to celebrate the contributions of Black people in this country. The theme of this year’s celebration is Health and Wellness, an appropriate focus in the era of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, and a prime opportunity to address the… continue reading Celebrate Health and Wellness this Black History Month Throughout Philadelphia

By written by Emily S.    February 7, 2022   

• Black History Month
• Black Authors

It may be chilly outside, but the Free Library has some titles to warm you up this month! Young Children (up to 2nd Grade) Hey You!: An Empowering Celebration of Growing Up Black by Dapo Adeola This book addresses—honestly, yet hopefully—the experiences Black children face growing up with systemic racism, as well as providing hope… continue reading New Titles Coming to the Free Library in February!

By written by Rachel F.    February 4, 2022   

• Recommendations
• Black History Month
• Monthly New Titles

Araminta (Minty) Ross was born a slave in March 1821. As a free woman, she was reborn under the name of Harriet Tubman. As the conductor of the Underground Railroad, Harriet was named the Moses of her people. Harriet Tubman got the nickname of "Moses" after the prophet Moses in the Bible , who led his people to freedom. Following the… continue reading Harriet Tubman’s Legacy

By written by Mary Marques    February 3, 2022   

• Community Events
• History
• Black History Month
• Women's History Month

Today is the 36th annual celebration of National Girls and Women in Sports Day (NGWSD) , started in 1974 by the Women’s Sports Foundation . The purpose of the foundation is to provide support, resources, and communities for young girls and women in the world of sports. They also are passionate about promoting the physical, mental, and… continue reading National Girls and Women in Sports Day (NGWSD)

By written by Kamilah C.    February 2, 2022   

• Black History Month
• Sports

This February, the Free Library is proud to commemorate Black History Month , honoring the triumphs and achievements of Black Americans throughout U.S. history and celebrating Black history, culture, and heritage. Black History Month offers all of us an opportunity to learn more about the significant contributions of Black Americans, including… continue reading Celebrating Black History Month at the Free Library

By written by Inaara S.    February 1, 2022    1  

• Events at the Library
• Recommendations
• Black History Month
• Virtual Programs

Happy Lunar New Year! 2022 is the Year of the Tiger . While we wait for the big day, which this year falls on February 1, how about we read some books with this beautiful and fearsome animal as a character? In these stories, tigers are protective, playful, adventurous, legendary, and good friends.   Board Books Mama Tiger, Tiger Cub by… continue reading Picture Book Highlights | Year of the Tiger

By written by Monica C.    January 31, 2022   

• Childrens Books
• Recommendations
• Picture Book Highlights

January 28 is National LEGO Day! LEGO books are almost as numerous as LEGO blocks. You may have even seen some on your neighborhood library shelves – the books, I mean! Guides on How-To? Check! Books showcasing creative and beautiful builds? Check! Books set in any universe you can think of (LEGO Harry Potter, LEGO Star Wars, LEGO DC,… continue reading Happy National LEGO Day!

By written by Jeff B.    January 28, 2022   

• Recommendations
• Maker Movement
• STEAM

Librarians, educators, and children’s book lovers have long-anticipated this year’s crop of Youth Media Award winners ! Chosen by the American Library Association, the 2022 award-winning titles were announced on Monday, January 24 during the first installment of a new virtual conference, LibLearnX: The Library Learning Experience .… continue reading 2022 Youth Media Award Winners

By written by Emily S.    January 27, 2022   

• Awards
• Childrens Books
• YA Literature

It's that time of year again—Tax Season. But don't fret, the Free Library is here to help you make sense of it all! 2021 IRS Tax Return Updates Besides the annual inflation adjustments and increased standardized deduction that taxpayers can expect when filing their 2021 tax return, the Internal Revenue Service has provided a few… continue reading Important Information to Help You File Your Taxes This Year!

By written by Marija G.    January 27, 2022   

• Government Information
• Government Publications
• Tax Information
• Financial Literacy
• Library Resources

February 2, 2022, will mark the centennial of the publication of James Joyce’s masterpiece  Ulysses . Constructed as a modern parallel to Homer’s  Odyssey ,  Ulysses  takes place over the course of a single day in Dublin, Ireland, on June 16, 1904. While it is regarded as one of the finest… continue reading Ulysses at 100

By written by Rosa D.    January 26, 2022   

• Fiction

In the Path of Islam, in collaboration with Al-Bustan Seed of Culture, are excited to announce the return of the well-received, virtual, free Arabic conversation classes this February and March. Students will practice the sounds and letters of the Arabic language and will be introduced to basic grammar, common vocabulary, and… continue reading Free Virtual Arabic Language Programs Return in February and March!

By written by Joe S.    January 25, 2022    3  

• Exhibitions
• Languages
• Rare Book Department
• Special Collections
• Muslim World

Did you know that January is National Hobby Month ? From baking bread in mass quantities to perfecting our puzzle skills, many of us have used these unorthodox past two years to find new things we enjoy doing in our downtime! Are you looking for your next hobby? Let the Free Library help! By checking out an instrument from our … continue reading Find a New Hobby with the Free Library!

By written by Kate C.    January 21, 2022    2  

• Crafts and Hobbies
• Library Resources

Another year, another stack of superhero stories, fascinating biographies, funny books, and extraordinary illustrated tales that defy classification! While not necessarily a "Top 10" (especially since I selected 21!), and definitely not in any order of greater or lesser importance, the following are just 21 really cool, fun,… continue reading 21 Great Graphic Novels and Comics from 2021

By written by Peter SM    January 19, 2022   

• Recommendations
• Comics and Graphic Novels

Most of us are familiar with the artwork created by the Works Progress Administration: the striking photography, the murals in state buildings and post offices, the posters, and the public sculptures, but fewer are aware of the work done by the writers and authors who produced that work. The WPA relief programs were widely criticized as… continue reading The Federal Writers' Project American Guides

By written by Nina C.    January 18, 2022   

• History
• Print and Picture Collection
• History of Philadelphia

Today, the Free Library welcomes Mr. Kelly Richards as its new Director . Prior to this appointment, Kelly served as the Muskegon Area District Library Director in Michigan and Michigan Library Association President. He brings with him almost three decades of library experience. He began his career in library services in the Las Vegas Clark… continue reading Q&A with New Free Library Director, Kelly Richards

By written by Administrator    January 14, 2022    15  

• Free Library Staff

On January 17, our nation commemorates the 27th Annual National Day of Service in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s work and legacy. Dr. King’s part in the Civil Rights Movement is well-documented. Alongside his wife Coretta Scott King and countless others, his tireless organizing and courageous leadership of the nonviolent… continue reading In Honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

By written by Emily S.    January 13, 2022   

• Holidays
• Community

Join the Adult Literacy Book Club, presented by the Free Library's Languages and Learning Center and Beyond Literacy . Improve your reading skills while reading and discussing interesting books! Don't always have a lot of time to read? No problem. This book club only covers a few chapters at each meeting, so you will have plenty of time… continue reading Adult Literacy Book Club's Winter Book Selection

By written by Phil K.    January 12, 2022    1  

• Reading
• Seniors
• Literacy
• English Language Learners
• Virtual Programs
• Book Clubs

Nourish your literacy by creating stories from scratch—with a seed starter! Chrissy loves to read, write, and tell stories. Her suggested steps for creating folklore were offered back when she was Talking About Tomatoes ! The story Chrissy started during that time was inspired by tomato seeds. Now this story is a fully grown… continue reading Nourishing Literacy | Planting Story Seeds with Madame Marie and Her Magic Garden

By written by Shayna M.    January 11, 2022   

• Culinary Literacy
• Writing
• Community

The Free Library has many resources and programs for Philadelphians of all ages to improve their reading skills! Read, Baby, Read is a Free Library initiative focused on encouraging early literacy development among infants and young toddlers (0-24 months old).   Read by 4th is a citywide effort managed by the library that aims to… continue reading Improve Your Reading Comprehension Skills with the Free Library

By written by Lindsay S.    January 10, 2022    1  

• Reading
• Online Learning
• Languages and Learning
• Virtual Programs

Words mean things. We communicate with them, express ourselves with them, define and describe our surroundings and world with them. In the 21st Century, in the absence of physical reference books, we also look them up through online dictionaries. Overwhelmingly, 2021's words of the year were of the time and moment while also being… continue reading 2021's Words of the Year

By written by Peter SM    January 7, 2022   

• Languages
• Literacy